Posted on: Friday 3 July 2026
This week, a fundraising campaign was launched to raise £50,000 for a memorial garden in Cwmbran honouring three local servicemen who lost their lives while serving in Afghanistan.
The memorial will commemorate Private Kyle John Adams, Private James Prosser and Corporal Michael John Thacker, all of whom were killed during separate operations in Helmand Province between 2009 and 2012.
It will be built at Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre garden, near the town centre, and will feature a mural alongside a dedicated reflection garden.
Family members, veterans and representatives from local organisations gathered at the site on Wednesday to officially launch the fundraising campaign.
Attendees included Torfaen Veterans Hub, M Cwmbran, Cwmbran and District Ex-Services Association (CADESA), the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia) and members of the veteran community.
Sarah Adams MBE, mother of Private James Prosser, said:
"It's emotional. It's emotional to think that James is in a memorial. You never want that. But I am so grateful to everyone that's made the effort to do this for them.
"I've been supported the whole way since 2009 by Torfaen, the veterans hubs and CADESA. They've all been amazing, so I am very grateful."
John and Moira Adams, parents of Private Kyle Adams, also welcomed the launch of the campaign.
Moira said: "It's just nice to have somewhere local. People can come and remember, their friends can come and sit down and remember them.
"It feels real and like it's happening. Before it was just something that might happen, whereas now it is happening.
Zoe Gibbs, from Torfaen Veterans Hub, said: "The memorial garden will provide a place for people to remember Kyle, James and Michael, and recognise the contribution made by servicemen and women from our community.
"It's taken a few years to get to this stage and is a great example of how the council's new strategic approach to working with communities and partners. We hope it will be somewhere that families, friends and residents can visit for years to come."
Organisers are now seeking support from residents, businesses and organisations to help fund the memorial and reflection garden.
As a community-led project, it relies on public support to reach its £50,000 target and create a lasting tribute to the three servicemen.
Donations can be made via GoFundMe.
Private Kyle John Adams, aged 21, was serving with The Parachute Regiment when he was killed on 6 August 2009 after his Jackal vehicle was struck during a patrol near Lashkar Gah.
Private James Prosser, aged 21, was serving with 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh when he was killed on 27 September 2009 after the Warrior vehicle he was driving struck an improvised explosive device in Helmand Province.
Corporal Michael John Thacker, aged 27, served with 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh and was killed by small arms fire on 1 June 2012 while manning an observation post in Helmand Province.